Basavanna the poet
August 22, 2007
Basavanna was a poet in India who lived in the 1100’s and was deeply devoted to Shiva. He wrote beautifully about the frustrations of a devotee struggling for spiritual acomplishment, and joy of discovery. His wry observations contain much humor and insight. He lived near the confluence of three rivers in Kappadisangama and refers to Shiva as the “Lord of the meeting rivers”.
“Does it matter how long
a rock soaks in water:
will it ever grow soft?
Does it matter how long
I’ve spent in worship,
when the heart is fickle?
Futile as a ghost
I stand guard over hidden gold,
O lord of the meeting rivers.”